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Once synonymous with sporting tragedy akin to Shakespearean dramas, South Africa’s World Cup semifinals have shed their melancholy. They’ve banished the tag of perennial “chokers,” storming into their first unbeaten T20 World Cup final in Tarouba, Trinidad, with a convincing victory over tournament giant-slayers Afghanistan.
This triumph marks the end of years of heartache and the stigma of underachievement, despite boasting some of cricket’s most illustrious names in their squad. Here’s a glimpse into South Africa’s tumultuous history of stumbling at crucial junctures in global events.
1992 ODI WORLD CUP SEMIFINAL VS AUSTRALIA
It wasn’t a choke but rather a stroke of bad luck. After 22 years of apartheid-era isolation, South Africa emerged with lightning-fast bowlers and exceptional fielding that resulted in sensational run-outs.
However, in the semifinal, rain intervened, transforming a manageable target of 22 runs needed off 7 balls into an improbable 22 runs off just one ball due to confusion over the revised target.
1996 ODI WORLD CUP QUARTERFINAL VS WEST INDIES
Having triumphed in all their group matches, Hansie Cronje’s team entered the quarterfinal as strong favorites against West Indies. However, Brian Lara’s brilliant innings and spinners Roger Harper and Jimmy Adams weaving their magic led to a surprising 19-run loss for South Africa.
1999 ODI WORLD CUP SEMIFINAL VS AUSTRALIA
Arguably the most heartbreaking match in South Africa’s cricketing annals occurred at Edgbaston, where Lance Klusener, the tournament’s standout player, was transformed into the World Cup’s tragic hero.
Facing a modest target of 214, South Africa required nine runs off the last over with their final pair at the crease. Klusener struck consecutive boundaries off the first two balls to level the scores, but Allan Donald’s run-out resulted in a tie.
Australia advanced to the final based on their victory over South Africa in the previous super sixes encounter between the two teams.
2007 ODI WORLD CUP SEMIFINAL VS AUSTRALIA
South Africa’s choice to bat first backfired dramatically, as their esteemed batting lineup featuring Graeme Smith, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, and Mark Boucher crumbled for just 149 runs. Australia comfortably chased down the target with almost 20 overs remaining in the match.
2009 T20 WORLD CUP SEMIFINAL VS PAKISTAN
South Africa had defeated New Zealand, England, West Indies, and India to enter the semi-finals with high confidence. However, their hopes were dashed by Shahid Afridi’s economical bowling spell, which prevented them from successfully chasing a modest target of around 150 runs.
2011 ODI WORLD CUP QUARTERFINAL VS NEW ZEALAND
Despite a formidable lineup featuring AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, Graeme Smith, Jacques Kallis, and JP Duminy, South Africa faltered in their chase of a modest 222-run target against New Zealand. They were well-placed at 108 for 3 after 25 overs, seemingly on course for victory, but then lost their next seven wickets for just 64 runs.
2013 CHAMPIONS TROPHY SEMIFINAL VS ENGLAND
South Africa found themselves struggling at 8 for 80 before David Miller and Rory Kleinveldt lifted the total to 175. However, Jonathan Trott’s unbeaten 82 powered England to a comfortable seven-wicket victory with over 12 overs to spare.
2014 T20 WORLD CUP SEMIFINAL VS INDIA
South Africa’s streak of semifinal disappointments persisted as they once again fell short in a crucial match, this time against a clinical Indian team.
2015 ODI WORLD CUP SEMIFINAL VS NEW ZEALAND
Despite their strengths, South Africa’s golden generation of cricketers, fully equipped and in their prime, suffered another heartbreaking defeat in the semifinals, this time at the hands of New Zealand.
2022 T20 WORLD CUP SUPER 12 VS THE NETHERLANDS
Just one victory away from reaching the semifinals, South Africa faltered, enduring a surprising 13-run defeat against a spirited Netherlands team.
2023 ODI WORLD CUP SEMIFINAL VS AUSTRALIA
South Africa dominated the league stage, including a crushing 134-run victory over Australia. However, in the crucial semifinal match, they capitulated to the Australians, marking their fifth exit in World Cup semifinals.
